Prenatal Yoga:

When can I start prenatal yoga? I have had students come to class almost immediately after discovering they’re pregnant, all the way to first class at 40 weeks. It all depends on how you feel. If you have any concerns, getting a "go ahead" from your doctor or midwife is always a safe bet.I already have a yoga practice and a class I like. What can prenatal yoga offer me? There’s nothing like being in a space with only pregnant women! On an energetic level, it’s pretty special. It provides an opportunity to meet other pregnant women and make connections that last into motherhood. We start each class with a check in, during which pregnancy related woes are often brought up. Fellow students are a fabulous resource, both for referrals and as empathic listeners who really get what you’re going through. On a practical level, you can also turn off that part of your brain that might be wondering if something is safe and how to modify a pose.Can my husband come to class? Ladies only in my regular prenatal classes! Men change the vibe, and as much as you know your husband well, none of the other mamas will. However, if your mom/sister/best friend/partner-who-is-a-woman would like to come to a class on occasion, that’s awesome. There’s regular talk about connecting with your baby that wouldn’t apply to non-pregnant students, but sometimes a special occasion (sister in from out of town, mom joining you on your birthday, etc) prompts women to want to bring a guest to class. I offer prenatal partner workshops regularly (and also privately), which is a great way for you and your partner to share some yoga together, and get lots of tips for practicing together at home.

Doula Services

What is a doula? The classic definition of a doula is that she provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a laboring mother and her partner throughout the labor and birth process. This looks different with every labor and every baby, and a doula is flexible and adaptive, relying on experience and instincts. On a deeper level, doulas honor each labor and birth as the sacred transformation that it is, protecting the space and providing a calming, grounded presence throughout. A doula keeps in mind the question, “How will she remember this?” and engages all her skills to support a positive, empowered birth experience, however it unfolds. Science is catching up to the age-old tradition of women supporting women in birth: studies show that when doulas are present, women tend to have shorter labors with fewer medical interventions and are more satisfied with their birth experiences. Here’s a more in depth discussion on doulas, from the fabulous Women’s Health Alliance in Durham, NC: http://www.whamidwifery.com/2013/06/what-is-the-difference-between-a-midwife-and-a-doula/So a doula is basically a midwife, right? No! Not at all. Midwives (and OB’s) are trained medical professionals. Doulas do not provide any medical care or perform any clinical tasks – we don’t check your dilation, listen for your baby’s heartbeat, or catch your baby. We provide emotional, physical, and logistical support throughout your labor and birth; a very different role than your medical care provider.My partner is worried about feeling replaced if we hire a doula! A doula enhances your partner’s ability to support you, and never, ever replaces him or her. One of the best ways to support a laboring woman is to help a couple stay connected throughout labor, and make sure her partner is able to support her well – sometimes that means showing the partner massage techniques, relieving him/her to get a snack or a nap if labor is long, or staying with mom while the partner makes phone calls to update relatives. A doula provides a unique perspective, an objective source of information, and experience in managing unexpected things that come up during labor.

Do you have back-up?

Yes! I am part of the Bull City Doula Collective, a group of birth and postpartum doulas. We have monthly "Meet the Doulas" gatherings, during which you can meet all of us and learn more about our offerings. We also feature a Durham-specific resource for pregnant or new moms each month. It's a free, informal, no pressure way to learn more about doulas in general, each of us in particular, and more about what's going on in Durham! For more information, please check out the Bull City Doula Collective Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/BullCityDoulaCollective?ref=hl

Health Coaching

What is a health coach? Health coaches are knowledgeable advisors who provide ongoing support and guidance as you set goals and make sustainable changes to live with greater strength, energy, and balance. I listen carefully and help you to navigate the world of contradictory nutrition advice to determine what changes are necessary for you. I am an advocate for your best self, devoted cheerleader, and accountability hard-ass! This all sounds great, but I live far away. I offer my health coaching services by phone or Skype. It works great![eye roll] Who has the time, as a pregnant woman/new mom, to do this?! I can totally relate. I could barely contain my irritation when people encouraged me to take better care of myself when I was a new mom. But, it doesn’t take much. A health coach can leverage the time that you have to make changes with a big impact – this makes for a healthier, happier you, which makes you a healthier, happier mama.